JOB SEARCHing
So, what does it take to get noticed and stand apart from the rest of the applicants these days? A great resume? Specialization? A great graphic Portfolio? Being local?
To tell you the truth, I am not sure. I have been searching for a new job for several months now, and I have had little success. I feel like I have a great resume, having worked on projects both large and small, across a variety of market sectors. I have also a well developed sense of how to make projects succeed, how to teach younger or less experienced staff, and how to get into the nitty gritty of a project. Plus many other relevant skills.
As I search for job postings, I find that nothing is more frustrating than looking for an architectural job. Most firms do not post jobs on the Local AIA Boards, or Craigslist, or even other internet sites like Archinect. The only ones that seem to do this are the large international firms or small under 5 man firms. So, if these are not your target market, how do you find a job? I have found that there are a couple of factors at work here. One of these is being local, the other is word of mouth (ie, do you know someone at the desired firm?). How do you accomplish this when you are not local or know someone at the firms? Again, I say, I am not sure. You could move to the desired city if you have the where with all to do so, and start to contact firms. If you do not, you have to stand out in some way from all the other applicants. This goes back to having a great portfolio.
Do firms really contact people who are not local? I would have say that, depending on the location, I would say this is a process to weed out those who are not local. I would love to be wrong, and would love to get your opinions on this.
I have tried every way I know how to in order to generate interest in me, both local and in other states and cities. I have moved to a bigger city where there are abundant opportunities, I have applied in areas where I have local contacts and clients, I have contacted locals to get their input (some firms are super at getting back to me and offering advice, others, not so much), and I continually revamp my resume for each employer I apply to. So, what gives?
I am interested in your thoughts. Take a look at my website, review my resume and experience, and let me know what you might suggest to improve my visibility and opportunities. I am opening myself to critique here and as an architect, expect nothing but constructive critiques.
To tell you the truth, I am not sure. I have been searching for a new job for several months now, and I have had little success. I feel like I have a great resume, having worked on projects both large and small, across a variety of market sectors. I have also a well developed sense of how to make projects succeed, how to teach younger or less experienced staff, and how to get into the nitty gritty of a project. Plus many other relevant skills.
As I search for job postings, I find that nothing is more frustrating than looking for an architectural job. Most firms do not post jobs on the Local AIA Boards, or Craigslist, or even other internet sites like Archinect. The only ones that seem to do this are the large international firms or small under 5 man firms. So, if these are not your target market, how do you find a job? I have found that there are a couple of factors at work here. One of these is being local, the other is word of mouth (ie, do you know someone at the desired firm?). How do you accomplish this when you are not local or know someone at the firms? Again, I say, I am not sure. You could move to the desired city if you have the where with all to do so, and start to contact firms. If you do not, you have to stand out in some way from all the other applicants. This goes back to having a great portfolio.
Do firms really contact people who are not local? I would have say that, depending on the location, I would say this is a process to weed out those who are not local. I would love to be wrong, and would love to get your opinions on this.
I have tried every way I know how to in order to generate interest in me, both local and in other states and cities. I have moved to a bigger city where there are abundant opportunities, I have applied in areas where I have local contacts and clients, I have contacted locals to get their input (some firms are super at getting back to me and offering advice, others, not so much), and I continually revamp my resume for each employer I apply to. So, what gives?
I am interested in your thoughts. Take a look at my website, review my resume and experience, and let me know what you might suggest to improve my visibility and opportunities. I am opening myself to critique here and as an architect, expect nothing but constructive critiques.
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